The selection process for the Springboks squad for the upcoming match in the Rugby Greatest Rivalry against New Zealand has entered a decisive phase. Rassie Erasmus formed a squad of 43 players in Johannesburg to begin preparations for the test match against Argentina next month.
The Bok coach welcomed the return to fitness of ten experienced players after injuries. He also announced plans to split the squad over the next two weeks to give every athlete a chance to prove themselves before attention shifts to major confrontations with the All Blacks.
With Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Handré Pollard, and André Esterhuizen back in contention, the competition for positions has reached an unprecedented level. Below are five players who will have the most to gain in the next two weeks.
Paul de Villiers significantly raised his profile during the international games in July. This Stormers forward demonstrated the characteristics of a Test-level player through his tireless work rate, ball-carrying skills, and intensity in defense. Kolisi's return means that position number 6 is no longer vacant, and Marco van Staden intensifies the competition. If De Villiers can maintain his form against Argentina, Erasmus may be forced to find him a place in the 23-man day squad.
Cobus Wiese became one of the standout stories of July. Whether playing in the tight five or as a versatile forward, he brought the physical power, lineout presence, and relentless work ethic that Erasmus demands. Although the returns of Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, and Franco Mostert have significantly complicated the competition, Wiese's versatility could prove crucial. Another impressive match will strengthen his chances of featuring against New Zealand.
Carlu Sadie quietly proved that he measures up to this level. This tighthead from Bordeaux-Bègles impressed in scrums and on the field, helping to restore the Springboks' dominance in set-piece play, which was the initial focus of the July tests. As Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw are also under active consideration for selection, and Frans Malherbe will return later in the season, the competition for the tighthead position is likely as fierce as anywhere else in the squad. Another strong performance against Argentina could help Sadie cement his place in the rankings before the Greatest Rivalry series.
Quan Horn surprised many in July. The Lions defender looked confident handling high balls, boldly joining attacks, and seamlessly fitting into the Springboks' system when required. He even occasionally played at winger, highlighting the versatility Erasmus values in his backline. With Aphelele Fassi, Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, and Kurt-Lee Arendse, opportunities in the three back positions are limited, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's return eases depth issues at winger. However, Horn's ability to cover multiple positions makes him a genuine contender for the Greatest Rivalry series.
Herschel Jantjies quietly returned to the fight for a Springboks spot after being dropped from the squad in recent seasons. The experienced midfielder remains a balanced game manager with a sharp threat running out wide, but the competition has intensified. Grant Williams has established himself as the primary contender, Morne van den Berg returned from injury, and Cobus Reinach continues to earn Erasmus's trust. Given that Jaden Hendrikse is also expected to return later this year, every opportunity is invaluable. A polished performance in Buenos Aires could remind the Bok coaches why Jantjies was once their number one choice and strengthen his chances of making the squad for the clash with New Zealand.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has presented a list of 43 players who will gather in Johannesburg. This squad is intended to prepare for the upcoming match against Argentina in Buenos Aires on August 8th, as well as for the series of 'Rugby Greatest Rivalry' (RGR) matches against New Zealand.
As part of tactical division, Erasmus decided to send five players to their home clubs so they can gain game experience during friendly matches against touring All Blacks. Simultaneously, ten experienced Springboks players have returned from the injured list.
Among the high-profile players returning from injuries are props Eben Etzebeth and Luke de Jager, versatile forward Franco Mostert, captain Siya Kolisi, midfielders Sacha Phelenberg-Mngomezulu and Handre Pollard, versatile back-rowers Ethan Hooker and Keenan Moody, centre/flanker Andre Esterhuizen, and midfielder Morne van den Berg.
Meanwhile, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Evan Roos, Andre-Hugo Winter, Embrose Papier, and Jaco Williams have been released to play for their clubs. Prop Ruben van Heerden, who debuted for the national team against Wales last Saturday, was excluded from the main squad to allow him to adapt at his new French club Montpellier, although he remains in reserve.
Erasmus emphasized that the decision to split the group was made after careful consideration to give every player a chance to prove themselves before the RGR series. He noted that splitting into two groups would be the best option for the Springboks team and the athletes themselves, allowing them to earn a spot in the squad.
The coach added that some players are recovering from injuries and need valuable game time. Therefore, the selection of participants for the trip to Argentina will depend on their progress during next week's training camp. The remaining players from the 43-man squad will stay in Johannesburg with the coaching staff to begin preparations for the matches against New Zealand.
Erasmus stressed that this arrangement benefits all parties. Players sent to their clubs will get the opportunity to face the All Blacks in relevant mid-week matches, which will be invaluable experience when forming the final squad for the RGR. Thus, it is viewed as a 'win-win' situation.
He also explained that since the number of players who can go to Argentina is limited, it is fair to give everyone equal chances. Some players training in Johannesburg will complete their recovery phase under the supervision of the medical team, while others, who have played a lot of rugby, need a break to recover their bodies.
Looking ahead to the confrontation in South America, Erasmus warned against underestimating the Los Pumas team. He noted that they are a quality team that has proven its capability in previous encounters. Furthermore, he reminded that Los Pumas defeated them in Argentina the last time they met there in 2024, so the team intends to send a strong contingent to Buenos Aires.
Currently, the Springboks are resting with their families before gathering in Johannesburg on Sunday. The group traveling to Argentina will fly out in two waves next Sunday and Monday.
The Springboks team confidently defeated Wales with a score of 43-0 at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park stadium in Durban on Saturday. The match was marked by Wales' sloppy play, which involved numerous handling errors due to the slippery pitch.
The Springboks quickly took the lead, scoring in both halves within the first 14 minutes of the match. The score first became 7-0 after number eight Jasper Wiese made a powerful break, and debutant Wusi Moyo converted the kick. The hosts then doubled their advantage: scrumhalf Kobus Reinach, playing his 52nd test match, scored his 20th test try by breaking through the dominant Springboks scrum machine. Moyo maintained his perfect kicking record, bringing the score to 14-0.
Despite territorial superiority, the Springboks faced challenges, including handling errors, and were unable to increase the score for the next twenty minutes. Hooker Jesse Kriel eventually scored in the final minutes of the first half, increasing South Africa's lead to 19-0 at halftime. In the second half, the Springboks demonstrated stronger play, scoring four more tries and once again preventing Wales from scoring.
The 43-0 result secured an overwhelming victory for South Africa and marked the second consecutive test match where Wales failed to score against the Springboks. Argentina will be the team's next opponent.
The South African rugby coach, Rassie Erasmus, confirmed his promise by including four players who had not previously played for the national team in the confrontation with Wales in Durban this Saturday. Among these players are 20-year-old home-field playmaker Wuse Moyo and powerful scrummer Carlu Seydi, demonstrating the readiness of a new generation of South African talents.
Senior players Ruben van Heerden and Carlu Seydi, along with young players Jaco Williams and Wuse Moyo, were included in the squad of the experienced South African national team, which is expected to have sufficient strength to play against Wales at Kings Park stadium (the match starts at 17:40). Erasmus noted that the team provided opportunities to players from the start of preparations before the match against the Barbarians, and now those who were in the camp for seven weeks are getting a chance by helping the national team in test matches.
The coach also reported that some players, including Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, and Luuid de Jager, are in the group with minor injuries. Logically, they should be rested for next week, and a suitable game for them will be the away friendly against Argentina scheduled for August 8th.
Moyo, the playmaker from the Sharks, debuts for the South African national team at home and will play alongside experienced Kobus Reinach. Erasmus emphasized Moyo's unique qualities, noting that despite his age (20 years), he is a large player who is not afraid of the physical aspect of the game. He also described Moyo as a calm player with soft hands who kicks the ball excellently, whether it is repeats, touches, or attempts at the posts, although he has no experience in a test match yet.
Regarding Williams, Moyo's teammate, Erasmus stated that Jaco, being a graduate of the junior national team, has shown that besides speed, he also possesses physical strength. At 21 years old and not having a large build, he demonstrates a combination of power, speed, and 'X-factor'.
Ruben van Heerden, a 28-year-old second-row player, has long awaited his debut for the South African national team. Erasmus expressed happiness about his inclusion, noting that there have been instances in the past where players in the camp did not get a chance due to the coach's nervousness or circumstances. Van Heerden demonstrated excellent play in the scrums last year against the Barbarians. This year he was selected to participate in the Barbarians match but declined, preferring to play for the SA A team. The coach noted that his recognition is deserved because he prepared the players participating in the test matches for seven weeks, and that they do not give 'caps' away for free, considering that Ruan (Northje) also needs rest after playing many matches.
Carlu Seydi, a 29-year-old player, has also long remained on the verge of a debut. Erasmus explained that Seydi played for the Bordeaux team that won the Champions Cup, and it is impossible to start in such a team if one cannot play effectively in the scrum. The presence of Seydi and Wilko Lou in the team is beneficial for hooker Johan Grobbelaar, as he has good scrummers available.
